Baru di Bali

Not many know that aside from being the home of countless fine artists, Bali is also the home of a kung fu master named Wayan Sukadana. The true passion towards kung fu has led Wayan to travel around the globe in search of a deeper understanding about the martial arts. The journey made him experience the sweet and bitter tastes of life, from hard times to glamorous moments when he co-starred in quite a number of movies with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee.

He is also the author of a book called “Rahasia Kehidupan” (Secret of Life), in which he puts his knowledge about how to achieve a harmonious, peaceful life. We met up with Wayan in Denpasar on the sideline of his hectic day preparing his next book. Here’s what we talked about that day.  

Can you tell us how you became involved in martial arts and why you chose kung fu?

I’ve been having a sincere infatuation for martial arts ever since I was five, exactly when I started learning kung fu in Manado (North Sulawesi) from a Chinese man who lived there. I chose kung fu because of its teachings, which are not solely about the knowledge of gaining strength to defense yourself. Anyway, when I was around seven or eight years old, I became so intensely caught up with kung fu that I even traveled to China to gain deeper knowledge.

What was it about kung fu that motivated you so much?

Aside from the martial arts, the whole philosophy about kung fu has always astounded me. Kung fu teaches us how to live life in harmony and to maintain the balance of everything in the universe. It gives us strength not to fight, but to care for each other. Commencing kung fu I learned that everything is precious, starting from dust to the great universe. This is why I meditate a lot and do yoga. It enables me to come to my senses and know the value of everything in life. Yes, kung fu’s viewpoints that see strength as a weakness if not based on love, and to love and serve all have motivated me very much. 

What are the key characteristics about kung fu, how does it differ from other martial arts?

If we see martial arts as a running river, then kung fu is the spring that makes it possible for the river to run. Kung fu is the source of the many martial arts we know today.

What are some of your key achievements in kung fu in both competition and other areas?

If you mean medals, I have won hundreds of them. I won 262 medals at the regional level, 57 at the national level and two at the world level. Those medals really don’t mean a thing for me; I’ve gotten rid of them all, he (pointing at someone) is my witness. However, the greatest achievement for me is the way I’ve changed so much. I can now appreciate and love life in a way that brings nothing but peace in my mind.

Wayan Sukadana is currently a yogi at Yoga Barn in Ubud. If you want to attend his class or just meet him at Yoga Barn, then you should come on Wednesdays at 10.30am (tai chi class) and Saturdays at 2 pm (kung fu yoga).